Food carry-out container and integrated detachable coupon package

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an integrated detachable coupon container, wherein said coupon(s) is/are formed by perforations strategically sited on the container design in such a manner to permit them to be readily detached by the ultimate consumer and used as redeemable coupons, without impairing the structural integrity of the packaging. The detachable portions of the container are printed with advertising materials in the form of redeemable coupons. Further the container includes perforations strategically placed along the bottom of the packaging which permit the end user to fold out supports integrated into the container which are sufficiently strong an properly placed so as to support the weight of the container and the intended contents, and to protect a table or other surface(s) on which the container may be placed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present inventive subject matter relates to a novel integrated detachable coupon container having a coupon incorporated in the outer layer of material forming said container, and having perforations strategically sited on the container in such a manner to permit ready detachment and use of the coupon by the consumer without destroying the integrity of the container. The present inventive subject matter further relates to a novel container having perforations strategically placed along the bottom of the packaging which permit the end user to fold out supports integrated into the container, enabling the end user to protect the surface(s) on which the container is placed. In particular, the inventive subject matter relates to a container for heated food products. Still more particularly, the inventive subject matter relates to a container for pizza pies.

[0003] 2. Background

[0004] Many kinds of consumer products are packaged in cardboard, rigid corrugated, chipboard, plastic, and paper containers for ultimate delivery to the consumer. For example, a rigid corrugated box-shaped container is most often used for delivery of pizza to the consumer. This type of container is advantageous in that it can be made rigid enough to support the weight of the product and yet is relatively inexpensive to construct and disposable after use.

[0005] In connection with such packaging, it is traditional for the commercial user to have a logo or design printed on the outside surface(s) of the packaging. Such a logo or design serves to identify the origin and identity of the product contained within the packaging, and further serves an advertising purpose.

[0006] Businesses selling to the retail market from time to time utilize redeemable coupons as part of their advertising and marketing efforts. The advantages of the redeemable coupon for marketing purposes are that it creates direct retail business and its effectiveness as an advertising medium is traceable through actual consumer redemptions.

[0007] To date, there are only a few methods of delivering a coupon to the end consumer as part of the consumer packaging. One method has been to simply print a coupon on a portion of the packaging and indicate by dotted line, scissors pictograph, or other method where the container must be cut by the consumer in order to detach the coupon from the container. The disadvantage to this method is that it requires the consumer to use a sharp cutting object, such as a scissors or knife, which must be provided by the consumer, in order to detach the coupon from the container. Such extra effort required of the consumer substantially lowers the redemption rate, and thus the effectiveness, of such coupons as an advertising medium.

[0008] Another method of delivering a coupon to the end consumer is to attach a separate coupon to the outside of the container. This may be accomplished using an adhesive to attach the coupon directly to the packaging, or by attaching to the outside of the container a separate pouch containing the coupon. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,104 provides for a coupon assembly to be attached to bag stock, wherein the coupon assembly has an adhesive portion to be secured to the bag stock, and a coupon portion removable from said adhesive portion. While this method facilitates the ease of use by the ultimate consumer and advertising effectiveness, it is not without significant drawbacks. The most significant is the increased production cost required because the container and the coupon must be separately produced and thereafter the coupon must be physically affixed to the container through a separate production process. If there is a desire to affix more than one coupon to a given container the costs rise exponentially. Further, this method of attaching a coupon is prone to the inadvertent loss of the coupon during storage, shipping, or handling of the container, or may even be conducive to the theft of the coupon preceding the sale of the container.

[0009] The inventive subject matter resolves these deficiencies in the products of the prior art by providing an integral coupon which is printed on the packaging at the same time as other logo(s) and design(s), but is easily removable by the consumer without additional tools. The inventive subject matter has the dual advantages of lower cost and ease of use.

[0010] It has been known to provide various types of containers or boxes for transferring heated food products such as pizza pies from one place to another. For example, it has been known to place hot pizza from an oven into a cardboard box for carry-out by, or delivery at a remote location to, the ultimate consumer. The box is generally intended to not only protect the pizza from contamination, but also to maintain the pizza in a heated condition until arrival at the ultimate consumer.

[0011] Several novel variations on the simplest cardboard box have been directed to keeping the pizza hot and preventing or reducing sogginess resulting from condensation inside the box. Thus, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,335,846 discloses a lid over a base fitted with one or more vent openings so that steam and other vapors can escape. U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,636 discloses a box with ribs across the base to provide air flow passages under a hot pizza to prevent the pizza from becoming soggy and to stiffen the tray. U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,075 discloses a pizza packaging system for delivered pizza comprising a paperboard tray; an enveloping, moisture-permeable bag; and a reusable, insulating outer box. U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,062 discloses a reducible carton for pizza pies, having a full size configuration for an entire pizza and a reduced size configuration formed by tearing along pre-formed perforated score lines and folding along specially provided score lines. U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,292 discloses a box having a steam permeable support member, such as a sheet of balsa wood, positioned within the interior compartment for supporting the heated food and allowing for the passage of steam away from the heated food.

[0012] One notable feature of all of these innovations is that the cost of the improvement has proved to be the primary factor in the success or failure of the product. A few pennies difference in the cost of the box can make the difference between business success and failure for the pizza maker and ultimately the container manufacturer.

[0013] It is also well known to those of ordinary in the art, and to the ordinary consumer, that cardboard food containers, particularly pizza containers, are prone to permit water or grease from the food to soak through the container. Such leakage may damage or stain a table or other surface which contacts the bottom of the container.

[0014] The inventive subject matter additionally comprises a container for food having perforations strategically placed along the bottom of the packaging which permit the end user to fold out supports integrated into the container. Said supports are sufficiently strong and properly placed so as to support the weight of the container and the intended contents. This feature enables the end user to protect a table or other surface(s) on which the container may be placed. Because of the cost-saving feature of integrated coupon(s), this support feature may be utilized without jeopardizing the economic viability of the food-seller or the container manufacturer in this competitive field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In order to overcome the shortcomings and limitations encountered in the prior art coupon-delivery methods, the present inventive subject matter contemplates a multiple-ply container structure comprising at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer joined together by a suitable joining means. Formed in at least the outer layer of the container, as an integral component thereof, and having perforations extending through said outer layer(s), is a readily removable coupon. It is contemplated that the peeling off of the coupon is accomplished without adversely affecting the integrity of the inner layer(s) and thus the container structure, or necessitating the use of special tools.

[0016] The present inventive subject matter relates to a container comprising one or more inner layer(s), one or more outer layer(s) adapted to have indicia imprinted on at least the outer surface thereof, and an adhesive disposed between said layers for laminating said inner and outer layer(s) to each other to form a container wall,

[0017] wherein said outer layer(s) of said container have at least one manually removable section at a predetermined exterior surface area thereof, enclosed by a tear outline comprising a series of perforations, scorings, or both, penetrating through said outer layer(s) to a depth which does not penetrate said inner layer(s),

[0018] wherein said perforations and/or scorings are formed in said container subsequent to the lamination of said inner and outer layer(s) to each other,

[0019] and wherein said removable section is peelable from said container along said tear outline, leaving said inner layer(s) intact.

[0020] The present inventive subject matter further relates to a pizza pie container comprising one or more inner layer(s), one or more outer layer(s) adapted to have indicia imprinted on at least the outer surface thereof, and an adhesive disposed between said layers for laminating said inner and outer layer(s) to each other to form a container wall selected from the group consisting of cardboard and corrugated cardboard,

[0021] wherein said outer layer(s) of said container have at least one manually removable section at a predetermined exterior surface area thereof, enclosed by a tear outline comprising a series of perforations, scorings, or both, penetrating through said outer layer(s) to a depth which does not penetrate said inner layer(s),

[0022] wherein said tear outline is generally rectangular in configuration,

[0023] wherein said perforations and/or scorings are formed in said container subsequent to the lamination of said inner and outer layer(s) to each other,

[0024] and wherein said removable section is peelable from said container along said tear outline, leaving said inner layer(s) intact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a drawing which depicts an exploded view of an integrated detachable coupon container blank, prior to folding, with dotted lines showing some preferred area(s) of perforation for placement of detachable coupon(s) (“A” and “C”) and the preferred locations of fold-out support legs (“B”). All measurements in inches.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a drawing which depicts the preferred size and perforation pattern for detachable coupons of configuration “A” in FIG. 1. All measurements in inches.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a drawing which depicts the preferred size and perforation pattern for fold out support legs of configuration “B” in FIG. 1. All measurements in inches.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a drawing which depicts the preferred size and perforation pattern for detachable coupons of configuration “C” in FIG. 1. All measurements in inches.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a drawing which depicts a bottom view of an assembled integrated detachable coupon container with fold-out support legs in a preferred assembled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

[0030] “Die” refers to any of various tools or devices used for imparting or cutting a desired shape, form, or finish to or from a material.

[0031] “Die cutting” refers to the process of cutting a material such as corrugated board or chipboard into a pattern. Dies can be made to cut all the way through a material or partially through the material.

[0032] “Rotary die cutting” refers to the process of unrolling material through a press and utilizing a cylindrical die to roll over and cut specified shapes in the material. A “rotary die cutter” uses cutting dies and creasing rules on a roller to cut and score the material as it moves beneath it.

[0033] “Flat die cutting” refers to the process of stamping out shapes in a material with steel rule knives and dies adjusted to varying degrees of hydraulic pressure. A “flat die cutter” presses knives and rules against a stationary material.

[0034] “Perforating” refers to punching small holes or slits in a material such as paper or cardboard to facilitate tearing along a desired line.

[0035] “Scoring” refers to impressions or cut(s) in flat material to facilitate bending or tearing.

The Inventive Subject Matter

[0036] The present inventive subject matter relates to a container for transporting heated carry-out food, said container comprising a box having three or more side walls, a bottom panel, and a top closure panel, said side walls being attached to said bottom panel along the periphery of said bottom panel, said bottom panel and said side walls defining an interior compartment. The interior compartment of said container is suitable for holding heated food. Thus, the present inventive subject matter relates to a container comprising one or more inner layer(s), one or more outer layer(s) adapted to have indicia imprinted on at least the outer surface thereof, and an adhesive disposed between said layers for laminating said inner and outer layer(s) to each other to form a container wall,

[0037] wherein said outer layer(s) of said container have at least one manually removable section at a predetermined exterior surface area thereof, enclosed by a tear outline comprising a series of perforations, scorings, or both, penetrating through said outer layer(s) to a depth which does not penetrate said inner layer(s),

[0038] wherein said perforations and/or scorings are formed in said container subsequent to the lamination of said inner and outer layer(s) to each other,

[0039] and wherein said removable section is peelable from said container along said tear outline, leaving said inner layer(s) intact.

[0040] It is among the primary objectives of the present inventive subject matter to provide an integrated detachable coupon container that will permit the ultimate consumer to detach the coupons without the aid of scissors, special tools, or cutting devices. The present inventive subject matter simultaneously reduces the manufacturing and production cost of the packaging by integrating the coupon into the actual container itself, rather than as a separate item which must be physically affixed to the container.

[0041] It is provided that coupon(s) is/are formed by perforation(s) and/or scoring strategically sited on the container in such a manner to permit said coupons to be readily detached by the ultimate consumer and used as redeemable coupons, without significantly diminishing the structural integrity of the packaging. The detachable coupon portions of the container are printed with advertising materials in the form of redeemable coupons.

[0042] Further, the packaging includes perforations strategically placed along the bottom of the packaging which permit the end user to fold out supports integrated into the container. Said supports are sufficiently strong and properly placed so as to support the weight of the container and the intended contents. This feature enables the end user to protect a table or other surface(s) on which the container may be placed.

[0043] The shape of the container is a matter of choice, with a rectangular configuration being one common form. The shape of the coupon is also a matter of choice, with a rectangular configuration being one common form.

[0044] The detachable coupons are formed by perforations along the three or more edges of each coupon so as to permit easy detachment by the ultimate consumer, while not weakening the structural integrity of the container, so that it may continue to serve its primary packaging function and its secondary function as an advertising medium. Due to the perforations, the coupons can be readily detached by the end user without the need of scissors or other special tools, thereby increasing the anticipated redemption rate.

[0045] Further, because the coupons are preprinted on the container itself, manufacture and production costs are substantially reduced when compared to other methods currently in use.

[0046] It is a further objective of the inventive subject matter to provide a container that has fold out supports created by perforations along the bottom side of the container. This will permit end users to protect a tabletop or other surface(s) by elevating the container slightly above the surface. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a hot pizza can be elevated above a surface so that it does not leave any marks or stains, or cause any damage to the surface.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the present inventive subject matter relates to a pizza pie container comprising one or more inner layer(s), one or more outer layer(s) adapted to have indicia imprinted on at least the outer surface thereof, and an adhesive disposed between said layers for laminating said inner and outer layer(s) to each other to form a container wall selected from the group consisting of cardboard and corrugated cardboard,

[0048] wherein said outer layer(s) of said container have at least one manually removable section at a predetermined exterior surface area thereof, enclosed by a tear outline comprising a series of perforations, scorings, or both, penetrating through said outer layer(s) to a depth which does not penetrate said inner layer(s),

[0049] wherein said tear outline is generally rectangular in configuration,

[0050] wherein said perforations and/or scorings are formed in said container subsequent to the lamination of said inner and outer layer(s) to each other,

[0051] and wherein said removable section is peelable from said container along said tear outline, leaving said inner layer(s) intact. A pizza pie container of any size is contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. Common sizes for pizza boxes are about one and one-half inches to two inches high, having width and/or length dimensions of 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 24, 26, and 28 inches. Square and rectangular containers of said dimensions are preferred.

EXAMPLES

[0052] The following examples are illustrative of the present inventive subject matter and are not intended to be limitations thereon.

Example 1

[0053] An integrated, detachable coupon is produced by rotary die cutting using a 3 point knife blade having a 0.937 inch knife width.

Example 2

[0054] An integrated, detachable coupon is produced by scoring using a 4 point knife blade having a 0.907 inch knife width.

Example 3

[0055] An integrated, detachable coupon is produced by perforating at ¼″×¼″ using a 3 point knife blade having a 0.937 inch knife width.

[0056] The inventive subject matter being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be modified or varied in many ways. Such modifications and variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter and all such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A container comprising one or more inner layer(s), one or more outer layer(s) adapted to have indicia imprinted on at least the outer surface thereof, and an adhesive disposed between said layers for laminating said inner and outer layer(s) to each other to form a container wall, wherein said outer layer(s) of said container have at least one manually removable section at a predetermined exterior surface area thereof, enclosed by a tear outline comprising a series of perforations, scorings, or both, penetrating through said outer layer(s) to a depth which does not penetrate said inner layer(s), wherein said perforations and/or scorings are formed in said container subsequent to the lamination of said inner and outer layer(s) to each other, and wherein said removable section is peelable from said container along said tear outline, leaving said inner layer(s) intact.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein said tear outline is generally rectangular in configuration, wherein, optionally, the major portion of at least one side thereof comprising a continuous scoring to produce a slit, to facilitate the separation of said removable section from said container.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein said container wall is composed of materials selected from the group consisting of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, chipboard, plastic, and paper.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein said container wall is corrugated cardboard.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the laminating adhesive adhering said layers together is a wax substance.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein only the outer ply of said container wall is die cut and/or perforated along the edges of said removable coupon portion.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein said removable section comprises a plurality of smaller removable sections separated by perforation and/or scoring lines.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein said container is a food container.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein said food container is a pizza pie container.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein said container has three or more side walls, a bottom panel, and a top closure panel, said side walls being attached to said bottom panel along the periphery of said bottom panel, said bottom panel and said side walls defining an interior compartment.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein said container has four side walls oriented in a rectangular configuration.
 12. The container of claim 1, additionally comprising three or more fold out support legs located substantially along the periphery of said bottom panel and created by perforations along said bottom panel of said container, wherein said support legs elevate said container above the plane of the surface on which said container is placed.
 13. A pizza pie container comprising one or more inner layer(s), one or more outer layer(s) adapted to have indicia imprinted on at least the outer surface thereof, and an adhesive disposed between said layers for laminating said inner and outer layer(s) to each other to form a container wall selected from the group consisting of cardboard and corrugated cardboard, wherein said outer layer(s) of said container have at least one manually removable section at a predetermined exterior surface area thereof, enclosed by a tear outline comprising a series of perforations, scorings, or both, penetrating through said outer layer(s) to a depth which does not penetrate said inner layer(s), wherein said tear outline is generally rectangular in configuration, wherein said perforations and/or scorings are formed in said container subsequent to the lamination of said inner and outer layer(s) to each other, and wherein said removable section is peelable from said container along said tear outline, leaving said inner layer(s) intact.
 14. The container of claim 13, additionally comprising three or more fold out support legs located substantially along the periphery of said bottom panel and created by perforations along said bottom panel of said container, wherein said support legs elevate said container above the plane of the surface on which said container is placed. 